Mongols Case

During the 13th-15th centuries, the Chagatai Khanate of Central Asia and Ilkhanate of Persia changed the course of Islam. Politically, they established contrasting government structure and regional control; nevertheless, they influenced their regions in similar ways. Economically, the different ideas and ways of thinking resulted in the strength of the regional structures, shaping the reign of the Khanates. Thus, the Chagatai and the Ilkhanate politically and economically influenced the development of their regions.

The political systems of the two Khanates, controlled in completely different ways, set the path toward expansion and influence. Great Khan Mongke in the Ilkhanate disliked the Muslims worshipping a caliph instead of the ruler of the empire and set out to stop the spread. Mongke gained support from non-Muslims and managed to take over Syria, demonstrating the strength of the Ilkhanate’s central government; however, it was still converted to Islam. Likewise, Chagatai was penetrated by Islam and was firmly established. After the ruler Kaidu’s death, the following rulers were Muslim, showing the growing presence of Islam in the region. The absorption of Islam in both the Chagatai and the Ilkhanate indicated the conversion of the whole central Asia. As the Ilkhanate continued to expand its empire, it became more settled and organized. The growing urbanization of the empire demonstrated the efficiency of the intricate bureaucratic system, resulting in the region being prosperous. On the contrary, because of the divided states, the Chagatai ruled over non-urbanized regions. Less development allowed the region to receive less influence from urbanizations and keep their traditional nomadic ways of the Mongols. The different political structures gave way to changes in the economy of their regions.

The economies of the Chagatai Khanate and the Ilkhanate resulted in irreversible changes. Both regions failed to increase trade. The